This isn't a groundbreaking work of cinematography and theatrical performance. But it's precisely its low-budget and humble means that really adds a character and feel tot he movie that you just can't find anymore today. Plus, it has a nostalgic effect, since I first saw this back in my elementary days and so watching the movie really takes me back. There's a Facebook page I started to help get this title moved onto a more modern format, especially streaming services.

This version, to me, takes Washington Irving's classic tale and really brings it to life in a family friendly, lighthearted vein. It's not a horror movie, it's not even suspenseful because you know who is doing what, but there is an element of wonder and the superstitions of the rural communities in upper New York make it a lovely treat to watch. If Jeff Goldblum was born to play a role, this was it. He is the scrawny, hawk-faced beanpole sort that you picture when you read Irving's classic. Meg Foster's simply beautiful in this version. I like the fact that they added another female character to give Katrina someone to play against even though it's not in the original. I love the setting with the deep snow and the bare trees. So many times shows 'pretend' to be set at a certain time of year but if you pay attention to the surrounding trees they are lush and green when they should be bare or it should be dreary and it's sunny and bright. It says it was filmed in Utah so it would be easy to build the primitive rural structures required for the shoot. The use of John Sylvester White as a confidante for Ichabod is wonderful. He is best known for his role as Principal Woodman in "Welcome Back, Kotter" and this role allows him to be gruff and comedic but not ridiculous. Dick Butkus is likewise perfect for his part. He is big and kind of dumb--a bit ox-like--but he's not without sympathy. You can easily see him bullying people in the area and being possessive of the fair Katrina Van Tassel. Still, he isn't so horrible that you want him to get hurt or killed. You simply want him to stop being so mean. The other members of the supporting cast: Paul Sand, Laura Campbell, James Griffith, and Tiger Thompson just add more layers to a well-known story.

I remember watching this on TV as a teen. This movie is a fun flashback to the early 80's for those who grew up then, but despite what other reviewers have said, this version is NOT EVEN CLOSE to Washington Irving's short story.Prior to visiting Sleepy Hollow, NY recently, I re-read the original story. Great great fun---great descriptions!! But most movies stray from the story. Personally, I love Tim Burton's version, but I don't consider it Irving's story, but Burton's.It's too bad that all we have are old VHS copies of this. The copy I obtained from a local library was damaged beyond belief. There's gotta be a master somewhere--maybe someone can clean it up a little and put out a DVD--please?

I strongly believe that Sunn Schick Productions did posterity a great service. This film and Deerslayer are only two of the many films they did in the 1970's. Do you remember the Life & Times of Grizzly Adams ? They made that too.Legend of Sleepy Hollow is as clear to Washington Irving's story as I can tell and they kept it in tact without this SDFX mess that so many newer films use now. Jeff Goldblum shines as Icabod and the cast are all favorites, including Mr. Woodman from Welcome Back Kotter as the elderly helper who looks after the school building.I would rank this and all the Sunn Schick films a 10++ See if whenever you can get a copy.